New Delhi: India on Thursday welcomed the ceasefire deal reached between Israel and Hamas, which would halt the war in Gaza and for the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
In a statement, India said it has always called for release of all hostages, a ceasefire and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy to end the conflict.
The statement read:
“We welcome the announcement of the agreement for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. We hope this will lead to a safe and sustained supply of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. We have consistently called for release of all hostages, ceasefire, and return to a path of dialogue and diplomacy.”
The ceasefire agreement was brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States.
The agreement will see the withdrawal of some Israeli forces to allow more aid to get in and the release of 33 hostages in Gaza, starting with women, children and the elderly. A number of Palestinian prisoners will be released as well.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were still several unresolved clauses, which he hoped would be finalised on Wednesday evening.
A completed deal would see the war in Gaza stop and an exchange of hostages and prisoners.
Hamas seized 251 hostages when it attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. It is still holding 94 captive, although Israel believes that only 60 are still alive.
